Gastrointestinal oncologic emergencies: a radiologists' guide

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Gastroenterology
• Radiology

Background:

• Cancer prevalence is rising globally, increasing the incidence of oncologic emergencies.
• Oncologic emergencies, potentially life-threatening, can arise from malignancy or its treatment.
• Radiologists play a crucial role in identifying and managing these critical conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the clinical and imaging features of oncologic emergencies.
• To focus on gastrointestinal oncologic emergencies and their management implications.
• To aid radiologists in recognizing these critical presentations.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of oncologic emergencies.
• Focus on gastrointestinal manifestations.
• Analysis of clinical and imaging findings.

Main Results:

• Identified key gastrointestinal oncologic emergencies: fistula, obstruction, ischemia, perforation, intussusception, inflammatory bowel changes, torsion, and bleeding.
• Detailed clinical and imaging characteristics for each emergency.
• Emphasized the role of imaging in diagnosis and management guidance.

Conclusions:

• Oncologic emergencies require prompt recognition and management.
• Radiologists must be adept at identifying these conditions, which can be the initial presentation of cancer.
• Imaging is pivotal for diagnosing and guiding the management of gastrointestinal oncologic emergencies.